‘El Nino effect’ is about to give Britain a sizzling summer

BRITAIN could be in line for one of its hottest summers ever because of the “El Nino effect”.

United Nations scientists warned yesterday of a “fairly large” chance of droughts and heavy rain across the globe this year because of the climate phenomenon generated by warming waters in the Pacific Ocean.

If forecasts are proved correct, average summer temperatures in Britain and the rest of the world will rise, Australia could suffer droughts while South America and the United States will suffer floods.

But winters in the UK and Europe will also be much colder and drier.

The El Nino phenomenon occurs every two to seven years, when the winds that cool the Pacific weaken allowing the sea to warm up.

The warmer currents can then trigger the climate changes.

Friday and Saturday are in for sunshine

Jonathan Powell, of Vantage Weather Services

Michel Jarraud, of the UN-sponsored World Meteorological Organisation, said: “While there’s no guarantee this situation will lead to an El Nino event, the longer trade winds remain weakened, and sub-surface temperatures stay significantly warmer than average, the higher the likelihood.”

Meanwhile, the current sunshine enjoyed in Britain is expected to fizzle out by Easter Sunday.

The recent clear skies will continue into the start of the holiday weekend with temperatures hitting 68F (20C).

But the conditions are expected to disappear behind rain clouds by Sunday, ruining barbecue plans.

Jonathan Powell, of Vantage Weather Services, said: “Friday and Saturday are in for sunshine but we will have a tremendous wrestling match between high and low pressure systems on Sunday and Monday.”

Those staying in Britain for Easter also face the traditional travel hell.

Engineering works will disrupt key rail routes in London while 18.6 million could be on the roads.